SDCC News: Avatar, Dark Shadows, Pirates 4, Tron Legacy

The news coming out of San Diego Comic-Con today is fast and furious, with James Cameron announcing that IMAX theaters will be screening 15 minutes of AVATAR in 3-D for free on Aug. 21. Cameron sneaked around 24 minutes of 3-D AVATAR in Hall H.

Additionally, Tim Burton announced during his ALICE IN WONDERLAND presentation (as part of Disney's unprecedented 3-D panel) that he would follow up with his adaptation of DARK SHADOWS, the '60s cult vampire soap opera, with Johnny Depp playing the infamous Barnabas Collins.

Also, ComingSoon reports that PIRATES 4 will be going into production next spring, with an eye toward a 2011 release date. The intent is to explore Jack Sparrow's back story. Director Gore Verbinski, who is currently making RANGO, ILM's first animated feature, has not committed yet.

Meanwhile, Disney announced that the TRON sequel has been officially titled TRON: LEGACY.